The return of Formula 1 to Las Vegas more than 40 years later has not kicked off as expected. The second free practice session, which was scheduled to take place between 12:00 and 1:00 PST, was postponed due to a problem with a manhole cover located inside the track.
Following an FIA inspection, it was found a concrete frame around a manhole cover had failed during FP1.
The FIA are commencing checks on all other covers across the circuit. Any changes to scheduling will be advised in due course.#F1
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 17, 2023
Through a statement, the Formula 1 management confirmed that the second session will begin at 2:30 PST, despite initially announcing that it would start at 2:00 PST. The practice will last 90 minutes instead of 60.
RACE CONTROL: Free practice 2 will start at 02:30 local time #F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/bdAA8hPhuI
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 17, 2023
During the first free practice session, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) - the body that regulates automobile competitions - detected the problem on the track after the manhole cover hit the car of the Spanish driver Carlos Sainz. Immediately afterwards, the regulations were applied and the celebration of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was postponed until the fault was repaired.
